Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore announced on January 14, 2026, that he will return for another season instead of entering the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision is significant as it bolsters the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft class, which is already shaping up to be competitive in the quarterback position. Moore expressed his ambition to help the Ducks achieve their goal of winning a national championship during his announcement on “SportsCenter.”
With Moore’s return, the landscape of the 2027 quarterback prospects is evolving. Evaluating the current talent pool, five quarterbacks are emerging as top candidates for the draft, ranked here in reverse order.
Emerging Quarterback Prospects
5. Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s Josh Hoover has shown promise in the competitive arena. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Hoover completed 65.9% of his passes in 2025, amounting to 3,472 yards with 29 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. His performance has drawn comparisons to other successful quarterbacks, and he is expected to rise under the guidance of head coach Curt Cignetti. As noted by ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Hoover’s ability to throw with precision and speed makes him a noteworthy prospect despite concerns about his physical stature.
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks
At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, LaNorris Sellers possesses the physical attributes that scouts admire. Known for his athleticism, Sellers clocked a 40-yard dash in the range of 4.4 to 4.5 seconds, a figure reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. However, his passing statistics from the 2025 season were less impressive, with only a 60.8% completion rate for 2,437 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. If he can refine his passing skills in 2026, he could see his stock rise significantly.
3. Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks
Moore’s decision to return to Oregon carries risks, as he likely would have been a top-three pick in the 2026 draft. At 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, his 2025 season was stellar, featuring a 71.8% completion rate with 3,565 yards, 30 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions. Analysts, including Rob Rang of Fox Sports, have praised Moore’s natural passing ability and quick release, making him a strong contender for a first-round pick in 2027.
Top Contenders for the 2027 Draft
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, standing at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, has made headlines during his first season as a starter. He completed an impressive 77% of his passes for 3,610 yards, with 32 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. His achievements earned him a place as a Heisman finalist. As highlighted by Dane Brugler from The Athletic, Sayin’s ability to perform under pressure, alongside a talented receiving corps, showcases his potential as a future NFL quarterback.
1. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
The top prospect remains Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns. Despite early-season struggles, Manning, at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, finished strong with a 10-3 record, leading Texas to a Citrus Bowl victory over the Michigan Wolverines. He recorded 26 touchdown passes, ranking third in the SEC. His family legacy, being the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning, adds to his allure as a top draft candidate. An NFL executive noted that Manning is likely to be the first quarterback selected when he declares for the draft.
As the 2027 NFL Draft approaches, the competition among these quarterbacks will intensify, especially with the return of Moore to Oregon. The upcoming season will be crucial for all prospects as they vie for a coveted position in the NFL.
